High school boys basketball: Layton Christian advances to 4A championship game

In a game that was close throughout, No. 1 seed Layton Christian was able to hold off a feisty Green Canyon squad and was able to advance to the boys 4A state basketball championship with a 68-54 victory.

Layton Christian was led by Luke Kulundzic and Allen Gballau, who each contributed 20 and 12 points respectively.

While Green Canyon was able to keep it close for a big chunk of it, the game was won and lost at the free throw line. Green Canyon went 8-14 at the free throw line, while Layton Christian more than doubled them by going 22-30 from the line.

“It’s a great feeling to go on to the championship, and obviously I love it for the kids. This is a great opportunity for them to keep playing basketball, keep getting this experience and that’s what they came to Layton Christian for. I’m super happy that I can witness and be a part of it. This is my first year as a high school coach and I hope to experience many more moments like this,” said Layton Christian head coach Casey Stanley.

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Green Canyon took the lead early on, but once Layton Christian settled into the game, they would eventually take the lead from Green Canyon midway through the second quarter and never look back.

A 3-pointer by senior Luka Kulundzic at the end of the third quarter gave Layton Christian a 49-42 advantage with some momentum heading into the final quarter.

“Our defense is something we always rely on. Our defense is a big part of our offense. It opens up transition opportunities and we had such active hands that allowed us to get some steals and turnovers. All the credit goes to Green Canyon. They are just a phenomenal basketball team. They are a well-coached team, and they had a great season,” said Stanley.

Layton Christian made some key stops on defense in the final frame and took advantage of some Green Canyon miscues that allowed them to pull away late and seal their spot in the championship game. Green Canyon was held to just 12 points in the final quarter, a key factor in allowing Layton Christian to increase their lead in the later stages of the game.

While his team was ready to celebrate and enjoy the moment after making it to the title game, Stanley knows the job is not done.

“I told them the job is not done. We have accomplished so much but it’s all for not if we don’t come out in the championship locked in. We have to come out focused and scout and prepare the best we can.”